ELEC 243 Lab

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Although you could probably build one or two of the projects using only what is already on your breadboard, the task will be easier and the result more satisfactory if you make use of additional or more sophisticated components. This section provides a catalog of what is available to you.

Electronic Components

• Components from your parts kit. Except for specialized sensors, most of the electronic components you are likely to need can be found in your parts kit.
• Additional parts kits components. See your labbie or Mr. Fly to get additional quantities of parts kit items.
• ELEC 342 parts. If you need a resistor or capacitor value not contained in your parts kit, you may use one from the ELEC 342 parts cabinets.
• Parts from Digi-Key. If you need a specialized integrated circuit, sensor, or other component not available from any of the sources above, you may order it from Digi-Key. To do this you must provide Mr. Fly with a list containing the description, quantity, and Digi-Key part number for each component. Before requesting a part you should verify that it is in stock. Delivery will take 3 to 4 days, so be sure to allow for this time in your schedule. The total cost for all parts ordered must be less than

Electromechanical Components

• Hardware from previous labs. As long as you do not irreversibly modify them, you may use any of the accessories from previous labs (e.g. microphones, loudspeakers, fans, etc.).
• Load cell assemblies. If you are planning to build the Smart Scale project, we have several load cell and pan assemblies available, already equipped with cables.
• Cables and plugs. If you have sensors which must be mounted remotely from the breadboard, but cannot easily be plugged into the phone plug patch cable, we have both the 3-pin Molex plug which will mate with this cable, or complete patch cords which can be used to make custom cables.

Mechanical Components

• Legos. You may use any Lego items from the Legolab inventory.
• Screws and nuts. Machine screws, nuts, and washers in sizes 4-40, 6-32, and 8-32 are available from Mr. Fly.
• Anything else. The Legolab can also provide various bits of tubing, cardboard, glue, and other useful items. Check with your labbie, Mr. Fly, or one of the instructors. If all else fails, you can go to the hardware store, but you will have to finance this source on your own.

Optical Components

• Filters. We have a number of glass filters, both colored and neutral density which may be used for reference purposes. We also have booklets of plastic filters which may be cut to size and incorporated into your project.
• Collimator assemblies. You may use the collimator assemblies from the ELEC 241 lab. These consist of a 50 mm diameter, 200 mm focal length lens with a mounting hole for a standard 5 mm LED or photodiode package at the focal point. There are also two tripods with V-block mounts available for holding and positioning these.
• Other optics. A variety of other optical components, such as laser diodes, lenses, optical mounts, etc., are also available. Check with Dr. Young for details.

Calibration Equipment

• Weight sets. A set of calibration weights ranging from 1 mg to 1 kg.
• Thermometer. A digital thermometer with an immersible probe.
• Light meters. To measure optical power, etc.

Tools

• Soldering equipment. Soldering irons, solder, and other soldering implements are available from the Legolab.